The Alexandra Palace and Park Board met on Monday 26 February 2024, approving amended Terms of Reference for the Finance, Resource, Risk and Audit Committee (FRRAC) and noting the 2024/25 draft budget. The meeting also included an update on various activities at Alexandra Park and Palace, including park maintenance, creative learning projects, and upcoming events.

Chief Executive's General Update Report

CEO Emma Dagnes presented a comprehensive update on activities across Alexandra Park and Palace. Key points included progress on the Shaping The Grove public engagement exercise, with an online survey now open to gather feedback on the area. Work has commenced on repairing the North East Office Building (NEOB), with the first phase to make it watertight expected to finish in May 2024. Efforts are also underway to address a funding gap for the reactivation of the Campsbourne Building to meet public access standards. An online visitor survey for the northern area of the park, including the skatepark and playground, has been launched to support improvement projects and funding requests. The People's Picture mural project is in development, and the Café Restaurant project is progressing through design stages.

Mark Evison, Head of Park and Environmental Sustainability, provided an update on rubbish collection, volunteer activity, traffic improvements, and memorial benches. He noted that an estimated 6,000 visitors attended the park on New Year's Eve.

During the discussion, Councillor Sean O'Donovan raised concerns about the condition of notice boards, which are being refurbished. A question was also raised about the permanence of concrete and plastic barriers on the Main Road, which were installed temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic to deter anti-social behaviour. The board noted that New Year's Eve attendance was slightly down on previous years and that the event is not promoted as a public display, with ongoing collaboration with the police to address issues arising from individuals setting off their own fireworks.

Updates on Creative Learning included ongoing projects for Alexandra Palace's 150th Anniversary, such as an exhibition and mural. The Rhythm Stick club for adults with disabilities took place in December, and the Alexandra Palace's Young Actors Company is working on a version of Macbeth. A Biblio-buzz tour of literary activities is being finalised with Haringey and Enfield Libraries. The report also highlighted the significant contribution of 60 active volunteers across various departments and the ongoing use of the Transmitter Hall and Creativity Pavilion for community group activities.

Feedback from the Finance, Resource, Risk and Audit Committee (FRRAC)

The Board received an update on HR activities, noting an improvement in BAME representation due to inclusivity initiatives. Councillor O'Donovan suggested that volunteers, trustees, and board members should also complete e-learning modules.

The Board resolved to approve the recommendations from the FRRAC meeting held on 19 February 2024. These included noting the feedback from FRRAC, approving and adopting the amended Terms of Reference for FRRAC, approving the Risk Register and agreeing that Fundraising Approach and Security will be the two areas for deep dive in 2024/25, and noting the 2024/25 draft budget information and the proposal to review the APTL Licence Fee. However, it was subsequently decided not to review the licence fee.

FRRAC Terms of Reference

The Board was asked to approve the reviewed Terms of Reference for the Finance, Resource, Risk and Audit Committee (FRRAC) for adoption. It was noted that while FRRAC is an advisory committee, reviewing its Terms of Reference, last updated in November 2018, is good governance practice. Amendments were made to clarify the role of Alexandra Palace Trading Ltd (APTL) and address quoracy issues. The Board approved the amended Terms of Reference with immediate effect.

Finance Report

Richard Paterson, Director of Finance & Resources, presented the Finance Report, which updated the Board on the Trust's financial position and presented the draft budget for 2024/25. The report indicated that the Trust is forecasting an operating deficit of £433,000 for the current financial year, which is £107,000 better than budgeted. This improvement is partly due to a significantly improved financial performance by APTL in 2022/23, which resulted in higher Gift Aid payments. However, car parking income is down due to project delays. Salary and wages costs are also lower than forecasted due to recruitment delays, and energy costs have decreased.

For the 2024/25 outline budget, the Trust is forecasting total unrestricted revenue of £4,814,000 and an operating deficit of £1,012,000. This represents an adverse variance of almost £600,000 from the current financial year. The budget assumptions include a consistent corporate trustee revenue grant, a projected Gift Aid from APTL of £2,000,000, and a licence fee from APTL of £300,000. No unrestricted fundraising income is anticipated for 2024/25, with the strategic priority remaining on capital projects. Car parking income has been rephased, and inflationary increases are expected in insurance, estate guarding, park maintenance, and core cleaning. Utility costs are anticipated to drop further, but further wage increases against inflation may be required. Additional posts have been included where there is a clear business case.

The Board noted the full-year forecast for the Trust and approved the outline budget position for 2024/25. They also noted the Trust's intention to undertake an internal review of the Trading Subsidiary Licence Fee and Cost Sharing agreements. The report highlighted risks including the cost of living crisis, ongoing inflationary pressures, and challenges in staff recruitment and retention.

Decisions Tracker

The Board was informed that there were no new decisions taken since the last reported meeting.